Arctic weather bomb claims first victim: Man dies after being swept out to sea

Arctic weather bomb claims first victim: Man dies after being swept out to sea

A MAN walking along a seafront became the first victim of the Arctic weather bomb smashing its way across Britain after trying to rescue his pet dog which had been swept into the raging North Sea by gale force winds.

People were yesterday warned to stay away from promenades and exposed seafronts as 80mph winds battered coastal regions in a 48-hour onslaught.

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for snow, ice and strong winds to continue tomorrow across swathes of the country.

Forecasters warn that apart from a brief respite on Wednesday) Britain faces at least a week of freezing winter misery.

Andrew McGeown became the first victim after losing his life after his dog was swept into the sea on Sunday evening as they walked along Scarborough’s South Shore.

SWNS

ndrew McGeown, who died last night after being swept out to sea.

It is believed Mr McGeown, aged in his 30s, jumped into the sea in a desperate bid to rescue the stricken animal but he was overcome by the fierce sixfoot swell and drowned.

A friend also joined the rescue effort but managed to scramble to safety and was taken to hospital where he was treated for the effects of the cold and shock before being discharged hospital. The dog also survived.

A spokesperson for Humber coastguard confirmed their understanding that Mr McGeown and his dog got swept into the sea by waves before his friend went in to try and save them.

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The spokesman said: “In any case we recommend that the public don’t enter the water after their pet. We would tell people to call us if you are worried about the animal.

“We understand that the animal and the first casualty were overcome by the waves and the second casualty entered the water to help both.

“The dog is fine but we would not be able to say who it is in the care of.

“There was a six foot swell in Scarborough yesterday and we would say the best thing to do is call us if you are concerned. When waves are such as they were and as big as they were, then we would urge people to stay away from the water.”